REDUCED class sizes and extra teachers have been the answer for one successful school.

Norton College, near Malton, North Yorkshire, saw 45 per cent of its pupils achieve five GCSE A-C grades last year compared with 38 per cent in 1999.

The school was the first in the county to receive specialist technology status in 1996, which has led to extra funding.

Headteacher Jill Hodges said: "We've used the funding available to reduce class sizes, put in extra teachers and, to help teachers focus on their learning, we've brought in extra staff to reduce administration."

Since 1999, average class sizes at the school have reduced from 25.5 pupils to 23.5.

Ripon College also had some of the most improved GCSE A to C results in the country - up from 19 per cent in 1999 to 31 per cent last year.

Huntington School and Manor School, York, were among the top 25 per cent in the country for students who have improved from aged 14 to 16.

Other county schools faired less well, including Lowfield School, York, where only 16 per cent of pupils achieved five GSCE grades A to C. The school was ranked 77th in the country for the worst GCSE results.